InnerFidelity's "Wall of Fame" Over-Ear Open

Over-Ear Open HeadphonesThese are headphones that have pads that go completely around your ears (circumaural) and are not sealed to isolate you from outside noise. These are generally the most comfortable and best sounding type of headphone, and are typically used around the home or office where there is little outside noise, and/or when you have to be able to hear your surroundings (ringing phone, kids).

Sonoma Model One Electrostatic Headphone System ($5,000)The Sonoma Model One is a delightful listening experience. It has some distortion problems at high listening levels—especially with big bass drops—and treble response is just a tad too hazy to compete with some reference level headphones on that score. But the overall balance of performance, especially in terms of tonal neutrality, is terrific. I heard no wonky problems like treble spikiness or midrange suck-outs at all. I can't think of any other headphone I can say that about.

Many will complain that $5000 is an outrageous price for headphones...I agree. The Model One is not just a headphone though, it's a very good DAC, correction DSP, and amp. Take your average $4000 headphone: if you don't throw at least another $4000 in amp and DAC at it you're probably wasting money with underperforming very expensive gear. $5000 with the Model One and you've got it all without spending a bunch of time mixing and matching expensive gear to find something just right. On the other hand, that's part of the fun of the hobby and maybe the Model One isn't for you.

Bassheads and people who like to play their music loud need not apply. But if you listen at responsible levels (say 80-85dBspl avg), and are looking for a one-stop, get it and forget it solution for desktop high-res USB listening, this is a must-hear bit of kit.

Read more at https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/sonoma-acoustics-model-one-electrostatic-headphone-and-amplifier-system

Focal Clear ($1499)The Focal Clear is what an enthusiast headphone should be: It's gorgeous; it's comfortable; its accessories are spectacular; and its sound is clear as a Montana winter sky. It's not bright, or dark, or liquid, or even—in some odd way—neutral. It's just competently and confidently true to the music.

It doesn't have the tightest bass I've ever heard, nor the most liquid midrange, nor the smoothest treble resolve, but it is the best all around headphone I've ever heard. Weak points are a bit lacking in bass resolve and midrange liquidity; a very slight glare in the treble; and not much image depth. (Also, not a good match for high output impedance tube amps.) Strong points are fantastic overall balance; great dynamics; and terrific vocal and treble realism.

For the first time I can unreservedly recommend a $1000+ headphone. If you've cautiously made the headphone enthusiast approved treck from a Koss Porta Pro to the Sennheiser HD 600/650, and have found your carefully protected wallet stuck there without a sure fire step up, now you have it. Even if it's a financial stretch, the Focal Clear is worth the struggle for an end-game headphone. That's not a recommendation I make lightly.

Mr. Speakers Aeon Flow Open ($799)The Aeon Flow Open is a mildly warm and extraordinarily inviting headphone. Bass is powerful for an open headphone, but has a slight bloom in the upper-bass/lower-midrange. Midrange has a mild warm tilt and laid-back presence region. Very slightly muffled or veiled are both too strong a word, but it's there. Treble is articulate and without any harshness. There is a slight treble zing 8-10kHz, but is well controlled to taste with the included damping pads. Though not totally neutral, I find the Aeon Flow Open has an extremely alluring sonic character, and once my head had adapted to its sound I just didn't want to take them off.

Styling is a bit unusual, but quite appealing to my eyes. Comfort is second to none, though it's worth noting that the adjustment sliders do, from time to time, need to be tightened up to hold securely while donning and doffing the cans. Build quality is simply outstanding, with mostly metal and leather parts. Synthetic materials, when used, are top quality. Accessories are minimal having only a cable, 3.5mm to 1/4" plug adapter, and hard side, clam-shell case.

Audeze LCD2 Classic ($799)The LCD2 Classic is a well, if unusually, balanced effort by Audeze to bring the perfomance of their LCD product line to a sub-$1000 price point. Build quality and materials are top notch at this price. The new crystal-infused nylon rings appear to be brutally sturdy; the new braided cable is ergonomically excellent. On the other hand accessories are stark. Only a plain cardboard shipping box with foam cutouts is included. I recommend viewing the optionally available $125 carry case as a near mandatory purchase in addition to complete the package, making this a $924 headphone.

While I would consider this a slightly warm headphone, with a somewhat laid back presence region, it delivers a very snappy listening experience. Bass is very tight and well textured; midrange is nicely neutral; presence region is a bit laid back. Treble region tends to sound a bit grainy to me; I'd call it a slightly dry presentation. The LCD2 Classic has extremely low distortion and, to me, this provides a clarity the ties the sound together well despite any modest treble grain or presence area tonal imbalance. I find this to be a great rock and pop headphone—the somewhat relaxed response 4kHz to 6kHz does a good job of filtering out the hash often found with this genre.

The LCD2 Classic will make the Wall of Fame as a more snappy alternative to the romantic and warm sound of the MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Open. Audeze has done a very tidy job of bringing their high-end sound down to more affordable prices. Thank you!

HiFiMAN Sundara ($499)I think this may be the best HiFiMAN headphone to date. Maybe not in absolute terms, but in terms of being a very well balanced product offering. It looks good; it feels good; it appears to be well built; I think it's priced fairly; and the sound—though a tad cool—is well behaved top to bottom and delivers a coherent musical picture.

I could nit-pick and complain the headband adjustment is a bit gritty, and a small carry sack should have probably been included, but I'm going to stop right there. I think this is a solid product offering from HiFiMAN.

Yup, the Sundara is going to make it onto the Wall of Fame for not only providing a slightly bright, and probably better balanced, worthy alternative to the slightly warm Audeze LCD2C and the even warmer MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Open, but also for doing it at a little over half the price! Well done, HiFiMAN!

Sennheiser HD 600 ($399)The middle sibling in a long-lasting line of excellent headphones (it sits between the HD 580 and HD 650) the HD 600 has been a strong recommendation from me for a very long time. Many will whine about it's slightly soft sound, "they have the Sennheiser veil," some will say, but I think this excellent headphone is just gentle on the ears.

With an easy and sonorous sound, the HD 600 is a forgiving headphone and will do well with poor recordings. But it also has the chops, when coupled with a good amp and front end, to do a very nice job reproducing high fidelity recordings. Unlike most headphone at this price, I find the HD 600 ticks all the boxes nicely without any serious downfall. It seems to me, the HD 600 is the least expensive headphone of this type that can be called "audiophile grade."

This is a very comfortable headphone, and coupled with it's excellent sound is well suited for long listening sessions. The cable connects at each earpiece, making aftermarket and balanced cable replacement easy.

HiFiMAN HE400S ($299)This relatively inexpensive planar magnetic headphone punches way above its weight class. In fact, I found it to be modestly superior to the Sennheiser HD 600/650, delivering a more present mid-range and tighter bass. Bassheads be warned: This headphone does lack some bass extension. Fortunately a swapping with other pads available from HiFiMAN make significant improvements to the low notes.

While lacking a bit in the bass department, the HE400S delivers a marvelously balanced mid-range...and that's where most of the music is. Deeee-licious! Treble is ever so slightly splashy (never harsh, though), but I do find its transient response cleaner than the HD 600, thereby delivering slightly better imaging.

Bose SoundWear Companion Personal Speaker ($299)The Bose SoundWear Companion sounds way better than I expected. It produces a very unusual sonic cocoon around your head. While it might be somewhat artificial and foreign sounding, it remains a remarkably pleasant listening experience.

It works great for puttering around the house or garden when moving from place to place makes a speaker less than ideal, and where physical activity makes headphone less comfortable. It also allows you to hear the kids call or chat with a spouse in passing. When tucked under the crew neck of a t-shirt they are quite stable and could easily be used for exercise activities, and may be particularly well suited for bicycling and skateboarding where helmets are used and you want to retain some situational awareness.

On the other hand it's poor in loud environments where IEMs, and sealed or noise canceling headphone work better. Though they will be much louder for you than the people near by, they will still be able to hear your music. These do produce some noise pollution and should be And though they're pleasant enough for casual listening, they won't have the fidelity desired for a high-end listening experience.

Focal Elear ($999)Another fatality with the only moderately more expensive but very well tonally balanced Focal Clear. Like the LCD-4, the Elear has a missing octave 4-8kHz, but it's a bit more obvious with the treble above not so emphatic as the LCD-4.

The Focal Elear is a drop-dead gorgeous high-end headphone. Build quality is spectacular; comfort is very good (though the cable is a bit heavy); and the new purpose built aluminum/magnesium M-dome drive is a testament to the technical accumen of Focal.

Sound quality is superb; this is an extraordinarily dynamic and punchy headphone. Unlike most high-end headphones, the Focal Elear seem to have no Achilles heel. It's very easy to just get wrapped up in the music and be unaware of the headphones themselves. I'd like a dB or two more bass, but the terrific bass tightness seems to make up for it, and a slightly laid back character up top has this headphone pushing almost all of my buttons.

Focal has done an absolutely beautiful job of producing a worthy high-end headphone. They've driven a spike in the diminishing returns curve that's going to have competitors scurrying to find ways to tighten their game up. This headphone is a game changer.

Audeze LCD-4 ($3995)The LCD-4 was removed with my 2017 house keeping. The treble imbalance is all too obvious in light of the Focal Clear's much better balance tonally, and too many complaints with driver failures has me squeamish...had one fail on me as well. Time for everyone to do better.

Differentiated from other Audeze headphones by chromed grills, a 3-meter hefty blue cable, and sporting a very nice carbon fiber headband with a wide, floating, glove leather headband strap. Though a large and heavy headphone, I find its very ample and plush ear cushions and wide headband cozy and comfortable. You don't so much put these on your head as you do put your head inside the headphones. A sonic helmet of sorts.

The LCD-4 also sport a number of technological advancements with a sub-0.5 micron diaphragm, Uniforce diaphragm circuit, Fluxor magnet arrays on both sides of the diaphragm, and aperiodic ear-pad vent.

The LCD-4 is a clear improvement over previous LCD models both technically and musically with better clarity, and bass through mid-range control and evenness. Audeze LCD line fans will be tickled pink with the LCD-4. But the added clarity make all the more obvious to me that a notch in response between 4kHz and 8kHz, and elevated response above 10kHz throw off treble balance and cause cymbals and other high-frequency sounds a bit less snappy and more breathy.

Focal Utopia ($3999)The Focal Utopia is being removed from the list primarily due to a bright spot at 6kHz that mars the otherwise very smooth and refined sound. I'll also note the reviewed Utopia was later found to be not representative of production units. My apologies to those I may have mislead...the unit I reviewed was quite a bit different than production units, and did sound better to my ears.

The Focal Utopia is a sexy beast with rock-solid build quality; looks with just the right mix of conservatism and bling; brimming with technological innovations; and sound quality to die for. I love this headphone.

Though the audio image is small and the bass just a tad light, in every other way this headphone sounds spectacularly good. Tonal balance is beautiful; image, though small is marvelously precise; dynamic punch is terrific; micro-detail is nuanced and well integrated. And everything comes together as whole so well that you simply don't feel the need to analyze...you just kick back and listen to the glorious music.

It's hard to imagine any headphone at $4000 that will deliver a commensurate value...I certainly wouldn't call the Utopia a bargain. But for the first time ever I'd be willing to say to someone of limited means with a strong interest in headphones, "Yes, this $4000 headphone is worth saving your pennies for."

Stax SR-009 ($5,250)This headphone was retired from the WoF at the end of 2017 when I was clearing house. The SR-009 is a bit bright, and many claim the modified SR-007 is better, and I think the Sonoma Model One has a more balanced and pleasing soundeven though it can't play very loud. I guess I think Stax can and should do better.

Simply put, this is the world's best headphone. The speed, clarity, and resolution is simply stunning. I spent quite a bit of time comparing the SR-009 to other headphones that compete for a spot as ultimate reference headphones, and the SR-009 equaled or bested all comers with the singlar exception of the spectacular imaging of the Sennheiser HD 800.

These are electrostatic headphones and require a special type of amplifier to drive them. Because they are "cost no object" headphones, and because they are so extraordinarily good, I highly recommend purchasing the best possible electrostatic headphone amplifier. For me, that means the HeadAmp Blue Hawaii SE.

Mr. Speakers Ether Flow ($1799)This headphone was removed from the list with the advent of the MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Open, a less expensive and better sounding headphone to me.

The Ether Flow is a rather simple but very well thought out design. Build quality and materials are very good, and the headphone is light and very comfortable. The included cable and clam-shell carry case are top notch—though the case is a bit ugly. (Think of it as theft aversion.)

The sound quality of the Ether Flow is simply lovely. The tonality is well balanced, but a bit "V" shaped with a slightly emphasized bass and treble—or you could say they're neutral but for the somewhat reduced presence region. Imaging is good with a fairly large image up and forward in the head. Dynamics are good, but I'd call it bouncy rather than punchy. The overwhelming impression is that of balance and then an etherial space in which the music plays happily.

With the Ether Flow I think Dan and the Mr. Speaker crew have punched through into the world-class level.

HiFiMAN HE1000 ($2999)This headphone was retired with the advent of the Ether Flow that has some of its soft, ethereal character, but has a more balanced and dynamic sound.

Expensive? Yes. But quite likely the most pleasant sounding headphone available. The HE1000 has an unusually "soft" nature to its sound, which makes it particularly sonorous for hours long listening sessions. Very large ear pads and a very comfortable fit help as well.

Detractors will say the "soft" character arrises from a treble response that lacks the speedy articulation of the best reference headphones, and I agree that the HE1000 has a slightly hazy character to its transient response. But I can't help falling for its seductive sound. Comes with three cables and a leather covered presentation box. Those looking for a planar magnetic headphone at a more affordable price may want to consider the Mr. Speakers Ether.

Mr. Speakers Ether ($1499)This headphone was retired with the introduction of the Ether Flow, which is smoother and warmer.

The first fully in-house made Mr. Speakers headphone is a hit! though tending slightly toward the bright side, the Ether is otherwise a very competent and nicely balanced headphone. Comfort, build quality, and styling are likewise top-notch.

The Ether uses a proprietary pleated diaphragm Mr. Speakers calls "V-Planar" technology intended to reduce distortion and to allow the diaphragm free movement without over-tensioning the diaphragm at the extremes. Measurements indeed show very low distortion. Hard side carry case included; numerous cable choices are available when ordering.

Sennheiser HD 800 S ($1,699)This headphone has a rather thin and analytical sound relative to the recently introduced Focal Utopia and Elear, and Mr. Speakers Ether Flow, which provide better balance and more pleasing listening.

The new Sennheiser HD 800 S adroitly adresses sonic issues long heard with the HD 800. It tames the piercing 6kHz treble peak, and it provide a nice warming of the bass, overall producing a much better behaved headphone and a more enjoyable listening experience. However, the warming of the bass seems to be done by adding a bit of second harmonic distortion, which in turn obscures a bit of bass clarity, having a slightly thick and congested sound relative to its predecessor...but just slightly.

Fresh out of the box in stock form, the new HD 800 S provides a terrific listening experience; I don't think I've ever heard clarity expressed so musically before. The HD 800 S adds musicality to the legendary precision of HD 800, strengthening its position as the world's finest dynamic headphone. Well done, Sennheiser, a masterful tweaking of this great headphone!

Philips Fidelio X2 ($299)The Philips X2 was removed from the list essentially with the advent of the HiFiMAN HE400S, which has a smoother and more musical presentation at the same price.

Now with the removable/replaceable ear-pads, better cable, and larger headband that X1 owners clamored for, the Fidelio X2 arrives on the scene with those improvements and more. Improved acoustics and diaphragm take this headphone to another level, delivering terrific balance and neutrality while keeping the music exciting overall. Only a slight tendency to be a tad edgy mars this otherwise excellent headphone's performance.

Earpads are velour, and are large and comfortable. The headband is now large enough for most all heads, though the tension may be a bit tight. Comes with a 3-meter cable..as these are for home use no smartphone remote is included.

Sennheiser HD 800 ($1,499)This headphone was retired from the Wall with the introduction of the HD 800 S, which rids the headphone of the annoying 6kHz peak, and has subtly improved bass response.

I feel the most resolving, and best imaging headphone in the world is the Sennheiser HD 800. Using a novel "ring radiator" angled driver design, these headphones produce the best imaging on headphones I've ever heard. The HD 800 is spectacularly well designed, and wonderfully comfortable to wear.

The one problem these headphones have is a somewhat "analytical" sound, which can be significantly reduced with a fairly straightforward modification. The detail and resolution of these headphones make them ideal for mixing and mastering engineers who want to hear every little pop and tweet in the mix. Audiophiles will be well rewarded by careful amp selection, aftermarket cables, and the mod mentioned above.

Audeze LCD-3 ($1945)This headphone was retired from the Wall of Fame with the introduction of the HiFiMAN HE1000 and Mr. Speakers Ether that deliver better price/performance at their respective price-points.

This is my favorite headphone for just kicking back and having a lovely listening session. It's not quite as articulate as the Stax SR-009, but it's half the price and you don't need a special amp. And it's not quite as microscopically revealing as the Sennheiser HD 800. But for me, the great tonality and improved resolution and imaging with the Fazor make it one of the prime listening experiences in Headphonedom.

This is a planar magnetic headphone and is fairly large and heavy. I find it fairly comfortable, but it's not a headphone for walking around, and may be a bit warm in hot, humid climates. Audio Pros looking for an open headphone may find these attractive for long listening sessions and mixing. There is also a much less expensive and quite good similar model from Audeze, the LCD-2, which is listed on this page below. Pads are available in lamb skin or vegan leather.

Audeze LCD-X ($1699)This headphone was retired from the Wall of Fame with the introduction of the HiFiMAN HE1000 and Mr. Speakers Ether that deliver better price/performance at their respective price-points.

The LCD-X is a great alternative to the LCD-3 above for audio pros and youthful headphone enthusiasts. Their efficiency and low impedance make them play well with any gear you plug them into, and their potent bass and smooth sound make them ideal for all manner of contemporary music.

The planar magnetic driver and aluminum housing used in these headphones make them fairly large and heavy. I find it fairly comfortable at home, but it's not a headphone for walking around, and may be a bit warm in hot, humid climates. The included transport case is excellent.

Oppo PM-1 ($1095) and PM-2 ($695)This headphone was retired from the Wall of Fame with the introduction of the Mr. Speakers Ether that deliver better price/performance albeit at a higher price/point.

Not so much a reference headphone as a luxury general purpose headphone, the Oppo PM-1 not only coddles you in its sumptuous build quality, it also cozies you with a glorious mid-range and meaty dynamism without a trace of harshness. Some won't like its somewhat laid-back and polite sound, but I found it simply yummy.

The PM-1 includes a beautifully finished wooden presentation box, lamb-skin and velour earpads, short cable for mobile use (no remote), long cable for home use, and denim clam-shell case for travel. This is a luxury headphone and you pay for many pride-of-ownership features; you get what you pay for though, this is a beautifully appointed headphone.

The PM-2 is very like its more expensive sibling, but uses synthetic leather instead of lamb skin for the pads, and has some plastic parts where the PM-1 uses metal. INcluded accessories are pared down to the denim clam-shell case, 3 meter OFC cable, and 1.1 meter portable cable.

InnerFidelity recommends the now included alternate leather pads for the PM-1 and the PM-1 original leather pads to get the best from your PM-2. Oppo now also makes a 1.8 meter portable cable, which is preferable to the somewhat short 1.1 meter cable. Cables and pads may be purchased here.

Full InnerFidelity review of the PM-1here and PM-2 here.
Article on Oppo pads here.

Philips Fidelio L1 ($299)This headphone was retired when the HiFiMAN HE400S made the scene.

I like to think of this very nice home/office headphones as a great "gentleman's headphone." By that I mean it's not only a very good sounding headphone, but it's also built and designed with adult sensibilities. It's black and silver color scheme is elegantly executed with aluminum, leather, and synthetic materials. It's light weight and plush padding deliver excellent comfort. It's handsome cloth-covered cable includes three-button remote and nicely finished compact 1/8" mini-plug---1/4" adapter included.

The sonic performance of the L1 is very good, though it's slight lack of treble resolution has it fall just short of audiophile grade. None-the-less, the sound of these cans is very good at this price point. The sound is marked by a slightly warm overall tilt, with fairly well extended and tight bass. Nicely balanced mids have a slightly forward transition into the treble. The L1 is a solid performer without any points of fail.

Philips Fidelio X1 ($499)the X1 was retired from the WoF with the introduction of the Philips Fidelio X2

The X1 has a couple of issues to overcome (fit and cable, see article) but once sorted out, these make for a very exciting listen around the home or office.

Audiophiles looking for a fun listen will be delighted, and basshead will be in heaven with this bass heavy can that also manages to sound balanced as well. The bass is a tad loose, and the highs a tad grainy, but the overall sense of impact and fun is unmistakably obvious. A really great headphone for EDM, DnB, Ambient, and all things electronica, but the X1 is also balanced enough for all types of tune when you're in the mood for a fun, warm headphone.

Audeze LCD-2 ($1145)Ed Note: The LCD-2 was bumped from the list by the Oppo PM-1 due to the slightly better sound, but mostly based on the ergonomic advantages as a better general purpose headphone.

Like its big brothers above, the LCD-2 is a wonderfully headphone, a very good first introduction to reference level headphones. If you're into bass, you're in for a real treat with these cans as the low notes are powerful, tight, and well extended. Now with the Fazor, and other ongoing improvements, the CD-2 is nicely balanced, and delivers good imaging and resolution.

The planar magnetic driver used in these headphones make them fairly large and heavy. I find it fairly comfortable, but it's not a headphone for walking around, and may be a bit warm in hot, humid climates. Audio Pros looking for an open headphone may find these attractive for long listening sessions and mixing. The LCD-2 is available in Bamboo and Rosewood. Pads are available in lamb skin or vegan leather.

Sennheiser HD 650 ($499)Editors Note: This headphone was retired from the list when, after doing the official review, I found the less costly HD 600 to be slightly better sounding for me. The original text follows.

Third in a long-lasting line of excellent headphones (the HD 580 and HD 600 came first) the HD 650 and it's antecedents have been a strong recommendation from me for a very long time. Many will whine about it's slightly soft sound, "they have the Sennheiser veil," some will say, but I think this excellent headphone is just gentle on the ears.

With an easy and sonorous sound, the HD 650 is a forgiving headphone and will do well with poor recordings. But it also has the chops, when coupled with a good amp and front end, to do a very nice job reproducing high fidelity recordings. Unlike most headphone at this price, I find the HD 650 ticks all the boxes nicely without any serious downfall. It seems to me, the HD 650 is the least expensive headphone of this type that can be called "audiophile grade."

This is a very comfortable headphone, and coupled with it's excellent sound is well suited for long listening sessions. The cable connects at each earpiece, making aftermarket and balanced cable replacement easy.